Size control of polypyrrole particles prepared by chemical
polymerization was achieved
by varying the concentration of the oxidant in the presence of
poly(styrenesulfonate). At
higher concentrations, smaller polypyrrole particles are formed.
Poly(styrenesulfonate)
functions as a molecular template, causing local preconcentration of
both pyrrole and Fe3+.
These increased local concentrations result in faster nucleation
and polymerization, which
favors the formation of small particles. Average particle sizes
ranging from ca. 40 nm to 1
μm have been obtained.